I ended my Thanksgiving weekend back home in western North Carolina with one of my favorite duties as a Congressman. On Monday, I interviewed Tenth District students seeking appointments to our nation's military service academies. The Tenth District is home to many bright high school students and I am always impressed by the numerous accomplishments of those applying to our service academies. My Military Advisory Council, a group of Tenth District veterans who assist me in the interview and nomination process, joined me in conducting the interviews.

If you or someone you know is interested in seeking a service academy appointment through my office, you can learn how the application process works by clicking here.

A Generational Defining Moment

On Friday, the Senate brought us one step closer to providing tax relief for Americans across the country with the passage of the Senate version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. My colleagues and I in both the House and the Senate made a promise to the American people to fix our broken tax code so families and small businesses, like those I represent in the Tenth District, receive the tax relief they need. I look forward to continuing to work alongside my colleagues to fulfill our promise to fix our broken tax code with common-sense and conservative reforms that will boost our economy and help you keep more of your paycheck. On Monday, the House will formally vote to go to a conference committee allowing the House and Senate to work out the differences between our two bills. Watch this great video from Speaker Paul Ryan by clicking here or on the image below to learn more this important moment.

Revitalizing Our Local Communities

On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Brownfields Enhancement, Economc Redevelopment, and Reauthorization Act of 2017. According to the Environmental Protection Agency there are an estimated 450,000 brownfields sites across the United States. Brownfields are abandoned, closed, or under-utilized industrial or commerical facilities like factories or warehouses that, when these properties are redeveloped, have the potential to create jobs and encourage economic development in local communities. To learn more about this important program click here or on the image below.

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives unanimously passed a resolution to mandate sexual harassment training for all members and staff. This measure sends a strong message that any sort of workplace harassment will not be tolerated in the House. My colleagues and I will continue to work together to ensure every person has the safe and fair workplace environment they deserve.

I was shocked and angered to hear the news that Kate Steinle's killer, an illegal immigrant who had re-entered the country after having been deported, was found not guilty. He should never have been allowed back in our country, which is why the House passed Kate's Law earlier this year. Kate's Law will strengthen punishments for illegal immigrants who re-enter, hopefully preventing future tragedies like what the Steinle family experienced.

Congratulations to Bessemer High School Assistant Principal Meghan LeFevers on being named the 2018 North Carolina Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year. It is inspiring to read about her dedication to students with disabilities both in the Tenth District and all accross the country. She is currently working with a former student of hers to teach others about inclusive practices for those with disabilities in North Carolina and the rest of the United States.